Rip Cassette Music To Digital

After the 1980's, the cassette tape went the way of the dinosaur in favor of the newer digital forms of music on CDs. As technology progressed, we have acquired the ability to listen to music as a digital computer file, removing the need for the CD at all. Many people, however, still have a good portion of their overall music library on cassette tapes. If you are one of these people, its possible to transfer that music to a computer file.

Instructions

1. Place the RCA cables into the red and white outputs on the tape deck. Place the other end into the audio input on your computer. If the cables are RCA on both sides, plug them into an audio jack converter and then plug the converter into the computer in the microphone input of your sound card.

2. Open your audio recording software, such as Audacity (available at audacity.sourceforge.net). It is free and powerful enough to do what you need. Install it before you record anything. You may also need to install Lame DLL (lame.buanzo.com.ar). This will allow you to save your file as an Mp3.

3. Place a tape in the tape deck. Press the play and the pause button to await input to the computer.

4. Press the record button on the recording software. Once the file is recording, release the pause button on the tape deck.

5. Let the entire side play and stop the tape. Turn the tape over and repeat the process.

6. Once the tape is complete, stop the recording. Save the file as the type you want to use (usually Mp3 or WMA).

Tags: tape deck, computer file, input your, into audio, pause button, recording software

Do Canon Rebel Film Camera Lenses Work With The New Digital Slrs

Use your autofocus SLR lenses on a digital camera.

If you're a Canon Rebel film camera user who bought lenses, a flash unit and other accessories to complete your camera bag, you'll delight in knowing some of your photography equipment will work on a new digital single-lens reflex, or SLR, camera. If the lenses you used on the Canon Rebel film camera had autofocus capabilities, they will fit on several Canon digital cameras, including cameras in the Digital Rebel series.

Lens Compatibility

To ensure lens compatibility, choose a Canon-brand digital camera. Canon EF-series lenses used on your Canon Rebel film camera will work on any of Canon's Digital SLR cameras, including the EOS and Rebel series. If you used non-Canon brand lenses on your film camera, the lenses still have a Canon-style mount to make them fit the film camera. This mount feature makes the lenses exclusively compatible with Canon cameras.

Image Magnification

When attaching a lens designed for use with a film camera to a digital camera body, image magnification may occur. Digital SLR cameras utilize a complementary metal oxide semiconductor image-capturing sensor. Not all CMOS sensors mirror the ratio of a 35mm film negative. When putting a lens designed for film onto a camera body with the smaller CMOS sensor type, the edges of the images get cropped off, making the image appear closer than if it were captured with a film camera body.

Film Lens Benefits

Some photographers consider the unintentional magnification caused by a film-based lens attached to a digital camera beneficial. Most camera users like to zoom, so the extra magnification makes the photos appear closer. If you shoot sports or other routine activities from the same vantage point each time, you will notice a slight increase in closeness of your photos when using the film-based lenses on the digital camera. For example, shooting football with a 200mm lens designed for a film camera -- attached to a digital camera body -- creates photos that appear shot with a 300mm film-based lens.

Digital Lenses

As you grow with your new digital camera, you may choose to purchase lenses marketed for digital cameras. Although your film-based lenses work, why should you consider the newer digital lenses? Generally digital lenses weigh less than film-based lenses. Since the image sensor in a digital camera dwarfs the film plane in a film camera, a digital lens requires less heavy glass elements. The weight difference becomes noticeable when handling a long telephoto lens for a long period of time.

Tags: film camera, digital camera, camera body, Canon Rebel, Canon Rebel film

Order Photos Online

Digital photography permits ordering prints online instead of going to the store.

Digital photography permits ordering photo prints online instead of going to the store. Multiple online vendors process prints from online orders, and most of the large corporations, such as Walmart, Target and Walgreens, which traditionally offered photo printing services at store locations, have adopted online photo ordering applications. Users can usually opt to pick up the prints they order online at a local store, or have the prints delivered to their homes.

Instructions

Ordering Photos From Web Vendors

1. Choose an online vendor that you want to order photos from. Some popular online vendors include Snapfish, Walgreens, Kodak, Overnight Prints and Walmart.

2. Create an account with the vendor that you choose by navigating to the vendors photo services portion of the website, locating the "sign-up" or "create an account" link, and completing the sign-up form on the vendor's website.

3. Review the file size requirements in the vendors tips or troubleshooting section of the website, and verify that your photo files meet those size requirements. If your photos are too large, then you will need to resize them using an web tool, or photo editing software. Some vendors will automatically resize large files during the upload process.

4. Log in to your account with the vendor's photo service; locate and click the "upload" or "upload pictures" link or button. Some services display a "buy photos" or "order photos" link that will prompt you to upload photos when clicked. Vendors have multiple options for uploading photos. Most vendors have a tool on their website that enables uploading with a drag-and-drop or multiple file selection interface, and a basic file-by-file tool for uploading photos one at a time. Vendors usually include email uploading capabilities and downloadable plug-ins that work with popular photo organizing software such as Google's Picassa, Mac's iPhoto, Photoshop elements, Firefox and iPhone. By installing these plug-ins, users are able to order photos online inside the application that organizes photos on their computer.

5. Select an upload option and the appropriate steps to locate and select your photo files on your computer. Once the upload is complete, the photo files are stored on the vendor's server, and available for print orders.

6. Follow the steps on the vendor's website for selecting the photos you wish to order, and the appropriate quantity and sizes for each photo that you order. If you have problems, consult the troubleshooting, or "help" pages within the vendors photo processing portion of the website. Most vendors provide visual tutorials that show how each step is performed on their site.

7. Complete your order by entering the credit card, debit card or online payment information that your vendor accepts to process orders. Most vendors will supply an email confirmation after your order is complete, but you may have to select an option to receive the email confirmation. Always select a method of confirmation when it is available, because it verifies that your order is complete.

Tags: Most vendors, photo files, that your, your order, account with, account with vendor, Digital photography

Recover Corrupt Photos From An Sd Card

Photos can be recovered from a SD card using specialized software.

A Secure Digital (SD) card is no more invulnerable to having its file structure become corrupt than any other type of storage device. Recovering corrupted photos from an SD card involves repairing the file structure. This process can be accomplished with a photo recovery program, of which there are several freely available as well as for purchase. The programs operate in a similar manner to recover the photos before they can be copied onto the computer's hard drive. A SD card adapter also will be needed.

Instructions

1. Download and install onto the PC's hard drive a photo recovery program, such as Recover My Photos, Photo Recovery Wizard or PhotoRescue. Restart the PC after the installation is complete.

2. Insert the contact end of the SD card into the slot on the SD card adapter. Plug the USB connector on the SD card adapter into a USB port on the PC.

3. Launch the Photo recovery program. Select "Start" and "All Applications" from the pop-up menu.

4. Click on "File" at the left corner of the program's screen. Select "Open" from the drop-down menu.

5. Click on the icon of the USB Flash drive in the left column of the window that appears. Click the "Open" button at the bottom right of the window to close the window.

6. Click the "Start Search" or "Search" button on the program's screen. Wait as a progress bar appears at the bottom and fills in from left to right, or an animated icon appears and disappears after the search has been completed.

7. Click the "Next" button on the window if one appears. Scroll through a list of photos that can be recovered from the list presented in a column on a new window. Otherwise scroll through a list of photos that can be recovered from a list presented in a column near the top right of the screen.

8. Select a photo from the list to recover. Hold down the "Shift" key while selecting to select more than one photo. Click on "File" at the left corner of the program's screen. Select "Save To" or "Save" from the drop-down menu.

9. Select "Desktop" from the "Locations" menu near the middle of the window that appears. Click the "Save" button at the bottom of the window. Quit the Photo recovery program after the window disappears and you have been returned to the program.

Tags: recovery program, card adapter, from list, program screen, recovered from, screen Select

Information On The Polaroid Digital Camera I633

Polaroid has always been a big name in cameras, and the name "Polaroid" became a popular synonym for the photographs produces with the company's instant photography cameras. The company manufactures a few digital camera models each year, including the 6-megapixel i633, which was released in 2008.

Models

Polaroid sold three models of the i633 digital camera. All three models have the same photographic features and capabilities; the only difference is the color -- pink, black or silver.

Physical Specifications

The Polaroid i633 digital camera is a compact point-and-shoot model. It is 3.5 inches wide by 2.4 inches tall and just over an inch thick. It has a 2.4-inch diagonal LCD display on the back, which is a good size for reviewing images and framing shots. The camera doesn't have a viewfinder, so all photography is lined up through the LCD screen. The camera runs on two AA batteries.

Sensor and Lens

The Polaroid i633 features a 6-megapixel sensor, which should produce clear prints up to 17 by 11 inches as long as you shoot at maximum resolution. The built-in lens features a 3X optical zoom with 4X digital magnification for a combined zoom of 12X. The camera can focus on an object as close as 0.2 inches. The lens has a widest aperture setting of f/2.8 (wide angle) to f/4.5 (zoom). At a wide angle, you can take pictures in relatively low light without having to use the flash.

Photographic Features

The Polaroid i633 camera has an ISO range from ISO 64 to 400, which is fairly limited. ISO 400 is suitable for shooting in daylight or in well-lit spaces indoors, but gives you some problems in low light. The wide aperture of the lens helps overcome the low sensitivity range to a point, but you can't expect the i633 to shoot clear pictures at night. This camera has only a few shooting modes, but enough for beginner photographers, including a movie mode, automatic still picture mode, a program mode (to control ISO and white balance) and a macro mode for focusing on subjects close up.

Memory and Connections

This point-and-shoot camera has a small internal memory card -- just 16MB, or enough for 10 to 12 shots at maximum resolution. The Polaroid i633 takes SD memory cards. Like most digital cameras, the i633 is sold with a USB cable to transfer pictures to your computer. Polaroid includes its own software with the i633 for transferring and editing photos.

Tags: Polaroid i633, digital camera, i633 digital, i633 digital camera, maximum resolution, three models, wide angle

Test A Camcorder For Low Light Performance

Buying a camcorder that will perform well in low light situations can be an easy task if you know test your products. Capturing those special moments may require a camcorder that can handle low light conditions. Fortunately, camcorders today are better at handling those situations. Before you buy the camcorder in your hand, here are steps for testing its performance in low light.

Instructions

1. Understand what is required to take video in low light. Low light conditions require special lens capabilities. The greater the aperture lens (called f-stop), the better for low light. Effective low light lenses are usually no greater than f2.8. The smaller the number, the better.

2. Select a few different camcorders and test their capabilities in low light. Different camcorders can produce results that differ in quality, even though the specifications may match.

3. Visit an electronic department or camera store and ask to test some camcorders. If the store does not have a testing room, find an object in the store and focus on that. Film using all the settings on the camcorder.

4. Review and compare camcorders. Check online consumer review sites and side-by-side product comparisons.

5. Ask sales associates about which low light camcorders they would recommend. Is there a camcorder that performs better?

Tags: camcorder that, light conditions

Manipulate A Microscope Ppt

See your slides through a projector.

You can create Microsoft PowerPoint presentations by using a microscope that has a USB port and can take digital still images as well as digital videos. In this kind of presentation, your classroom audience can view slides and specimens on a projector instead of looking at them through the microscope. This procedure comes in handy when you are using the presentation slides' images or videos for lectures, quizzes and tests.

Instructions

1. Plug your computer into the USB port of the microscope. In addition, make sure you have the projector plugged into your computer as well. Turn on all equipment.

2. Place a microscope slide on the stage of the microscope. Focus the slide as needed by viewing the slide through the microscope lens.

3. Open up your microscope software on your computer. Capture the image of the slide or take a video. Save the image or video.

4. Open your Microsoft PowerPoint program. Create a new presentation. Microsoft offers templates directly in the program or online. Choose a template for your presentation. To choose an online template, select the option for online templates. This will take you directly to Microsoft online templates if you are connected to the Internet.

5. Add in your saved images or videos by selecting "Insert" on the PowerPoint Menu. Click on "File." Browse your file and select the appropriate files. The images or videos will automatically be inserted into your slide.

6. Create text using text boxes, or change the position or size of your slides as needed using the drag arrows on the PowerPoint slide.

7. Change the design of your PowerPoint presentation using the "Design" tab. There are multiple design colors to choose from. Choose the design you wish.

8. Play a sound with the slide or video. Insert the sound into the slide using the "Insert" button. A message box will appear, prompting you to indicate when you want the sound to appear on the slide. You can indicate the sound to play for the entire presentation, or you can assign a different sound to each individual slide.

9. View a microscope slide video that you have recorded on full-screen in the presentation. Insert the video. Right-click on the movie object on the PowerPoint slide and click "Edit Movie Object." Select "Zoom" to full screen.

10. Customize microscope slides to create an animation. For instance, if you have slides with different cell stages, you can use the custom animation task pane to view the order of the cell stages. Insert your microscope pictures into the PowerPoint slide. Go to the "Custom Animation" task pane. Assign the number to the pictures in the order you want to view them. Assign a time to each animation as well. Each picture will then appear in the correct sequence and at the time indicated.

11. Save the presentation. Select "View Slide Presentation" on the PowerPoint menu.

Tags: images videos, PowerPoint slide, your computer, cell stages, into your, microscope slide, Microsoft PowerPoint

Diagnose Stereo Components

Stereos are used in the home to transfer a sound signal from audio sources, such as CD players or tape recorders, to speakers, allowing sound from the device to be transmitted publicly. If you feel something is wrong with one of your stereo speakers (or the stereo's central unit), you can run a quick diagnostic check to isolate the problem component.

Instructions

1. Disconnect your current speakers from the speaker ports on the back of the stereo.

2. Connect the good speakers to your stereo and play music from an audio source. If the speakers are still transmitting improperly, the problem is with your stereo's central unit.

3. Disconnect the good speakers from your stereo's speaker ports.

4. Connect one of your original speakers to an audio port on your stereo and play music through the speaker. If the speaker is transmitting improperly, you can diagnose the speaker as faulty.

5. Repeat the process with any of the other questionable speakers that were connected to your stereo.

Tags: your stereo, central unit, from audio, good speakers, play music, speaker ports, speakers from

Adjust Windshield Wipers

There's nothing more aggravating than a windshield wiper not doing its job when it is called for. Often times, the windshield wiper arm has been compromised by human error. Turning a windshield wiper motor on when the windshield wiper blade is stuck (frozen/iced-up) to the windshield can alter the alignment of the wiper arm and damage the linkage from the motor to the arm. Adjusting a misaligned wiper arm is pretty much a universal task no matter what type of vehicle you drive. Certain vehicles may require opening the hood or removal of the cowling to access the wiper arm retaining/adjustment nuts.

Instructions

Adjust Windshield Wipers

1. Place the keys in the ignition, turn the keys to accessory mode (key-on/engine off), and make sure the wiper motor switch is in the off position. Turn the ignition switch to the off position and remove the keys. The wiper arms are now in their parked position, although may not be properly aligned.

2. Access the bottom of the compromised wiper blade arm. You may have to open the hood or remove the wiper arm cowling (refer to the owners manual for the removal of the cowling on your specific vehicle if required).

3. Locate the retaining nut at the bottom of the wiper arm assembly. Some models will have a protective plastic cap covering the nut. Other vehicles may have a hinged cover that is part of the wiper arm itself. Pry the cap off with a straight-edge screwdriver or unsnap the hinged cover by prying it up from the bottom of the wiper arm with the screwdriver to reveal the retaining nut.

4. Hold the wiper arm stable with one hand and remove the nut with the ratchet and a socket with the other.

5. Wiggle the wiper arm gently with one hand while gently prying the base of the arm off of the splined wiper arm stud. The stud has small splines that hold the wiper arm in the correct position unless otherwise compromised. The wiper arm will feel secured to the stud, but the combination of wiggling (gently) and prying with the screwdriver will work to remove the arm.

6. Place the wiper arm back onto the splined wiper arm stud by positioning it in the off position. Some vehicles may have a wiper arm stop that the arm rests against in the off position. If so, make sure the wiper arm is resting against the wiper arm stop when replacing it on the stud.

7. Replace the retaining nut and tighten with the ratchet and socket. Repeat this procedure for the other wiper arm if desired.

8. Use two sets of pliers to bend the wiper arm back into position if the wiper arm has been bent. Hold the wiper arm with one set of pliers to anchor it and use the other set to bend it so the wiper is perpendicular to the windshield. If the arm is bent too badly, replacing the wiper arm may be a more viable option.

9. Inspect the wiper blades. Check them for tears in the rubber blade, dry cracking, or flimsiness. Replace the wiper blades if necessary.

Tags: windshield wiper, Adjust Windshield, Adjust Windshield Wipers, bend wiper, bottom wiper

Judge The Best Distance For Watching A Large Screen Tv

Sitting too close to your large-screen TV can hinder your TV viewing experience.

Many people assume that the bigger the TV screen, the better. The only limit on size should be price. In fact, the size of your TV should be dependent on the distance from which you plan on viewing it. If you already have your TV, it is too late to choose your set based on viewing distance, but you can still choose your viewing distance by the size of your TV.

Instructions

1. Set the seating so the viewer has a minimum 30-degree viewing angle of the TV screen. According to Practical Home Theater Guide, "This 30-degree viewing angle has been accepted by many as the standard in home-theater design and motion-picture viewing."

2. Position the seats so that the seating position is between a 26- to 36-degree seating angle. This is according to the THX certification standards.

3. Set the viewing distance so that it is calculated between 2.17 and 1.54 times the screen width. It is believed that within these viewing angle limits, the viewer enjoys a greater viewing experience.

Tags: viewing angle, viewing distance, 30-degree viewing, 30-degree viewing angle, choose your, size your

Check Sidekick Email

The T-Mobile Sidekick is one of the most popular hand-held Internet email devices (and a cool cellular phone). Unfortunately, there may come a time when your Sidekick is broken, lost or even stolen. This can be very frustrating, as nobody likes to be separated from his email. Luckily, you can still check your Sidekick email without your phone. By logging onto the My T-Mobile website, you can check your email without any problems.

Instructions

1. Visit the My T-Mobile website by following the link in Resources.

2. Log into your account by entering your info in the boxes at the top right of the home page. This will take you to the main screen for your personal account.

3. Click the "Desktop Interface" link. From there, you will be able to read any emails and see any pictures that have been saved to your phone. You can even compose and send emails from here. Files that are saved to a memory card will not be visible in your desktop interface.

Tags: check your, email without, T-Mobile website, your phone, your Sidekick

Solar Powered Calculator Work At Night

Basic make up of the calculator

The makeup of a solar powered calculator is fairly simple. Over the years, you may have seen solar powered homes or businesses with large panels from which they can draw the sun's light and power their facilities. A solar powered calculator works in the same way in that it too has panels, albeit very small solar panels, from which it collects the sun's light.

The process

Many readers may remember sitting in biology class and learning about photo-synthesis. Photo-synthesis is the process where plant-life takes in the rays of the sun and essentially converts that into food or energy. The solar powered calculator works much in the same way in that instead of plant cells, the calculator has the solar panels which consist of solar cells or photoelectric cells. These cells accept the sunlight and, acting as batteries, stores the sun's light and converts it into electricity. This, when you use the calculator, instead of alternate battery current, you are using energy converted from sunlight.

Night Ops

Fortunately, these cells can store an amazing amount of energy for their size. The drawback, like with a rechargeable battery, is that they must be recharged frequently. In this case the calculator needs to be in sunlight as often as possible in order to maintain a constant supply of electro-power.

Tags: solar powered, calculator works, from which, panels from, panels from which

Hook Up A Car Radio Equalizer

Hook up a Car Radio Equalizer

Car stereo enthusiasts crave power, adaptability, and control. Power can be provided by adding large capacity speakers and high-output amplifiers, all connected with premium wiring. Adaptability can be had by including a stereo deck that avails the ability to operate multiple components through a single unit. When it comes to control, nothing provides the user with the ability to tailor the sonic output of their stereo like an equalizer. You can choose to have your equalizer installed by a technician at an aftermarket retailer or you can add one yourself for a fraction of the cost.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver (or 10-mm wrench for some vehicles) to loosen the clamp of the negative battery cable. Remove the clamp from the negative lead post and rest it away from the battery until the installation is complete.

2. Remove the vehicle's stereo. Specific instructions for removal varies among vehicles. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for exact procedures.

3. Disconnect the wiring groups at the rear of the stereo. Connect the groups to a wiring harness adapter.

4. Connect the turn-on lead from the EQ wiring kit and patch cables to the wiring harness adapter. Connect the wiring harness adapter to the stereo.

5. Run the patch cables and turn-on lead to the trunk of the vehicle and connect them to the equalizer. Use a trim panel removal tool to remove the panels at the door openings. Place the cables beneath the carpeting and replace the panels by hand.

6. Replace the vehicle's stereo. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for installation procedures.

7. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the vehicle's battery. Place the negative battery cable's clamp around the negative lead post of the battery. Tighten the clamp until it cannot be moved around the lead post by hand.

Tags: battery cable, negative battery, negative battery cable, harness adapter, lead post, wiring harness

Troubleshooting The Sony Hi8 Handycam Trv138

Power Issues

The Sony Hi8 TRV138 can be operated by battery and with the use of an AC adapter. If the camera does not power on, one of two things could be in play. The battery pack could be dead or detached from the camera. If the camera works when the AC adapter is plugged in, then the battery needs to be recharged. If not, then the battery needs to be reseated. To do this, remove the battery then reattach it by firmly lining it up with the leads and snapping it to the lock.

It is also possible that the internal computer is operating in a panic mode. Resolve this by disconnecting all power sources for one minute and reattaching them. This will draw down the internal battery and cause a "soft reset." If that fails, a hard reset is necessary. Using an unfolded paper clip or other narrow, pointed object, press the RESET button. The button will be recessed behind a small hole near the AC adapter input. This will reset all functions and settings of the camera.

Sony recommends that the TRV138 and all of its cameras be operated on a fully charged battery.

Viewfinder/LCD issues

The viewfinder of the TRV138 can only be operated when the LCD window is closed. If the window is open, the viewfinder cannot be used. If the window is closed and the viewfinder is blurry, adjust the focus with the dial underneath the viewfinder.

If the LCD screen is displaying an unknown picture, the camera is in DEMO mode. The TRV138 will slip into DEMO mode when it has been set to CAMERA for more than 10 minutes without loading a cassette. Once a tape is loaded, the DEMO mode will go away.

Recording issues

If the camera does not start recording when pressing the record, it is likely that the tape has reached the end. Either rewind or replace the tape. If during recording the auto focus is not working, it has likely been turned off and needs to be reactivated. Color issues are usually attributed to the use of NightShot plus setting or operation in an area with high levels of fluorescent, sodium or mercury light. The first can be changed by pressing the auto focus button. The latter can only be remedied by adjusting the light source or recording location.

Tags: DEMO mode, auto focus, battery needs, camera does, then battery

Hook Up An Svideo Cord

S-video cables were first introduced in 1986 as an adjunct to the Super VHS format. The S in these cables is short for "separate," in that the luma (brightness) and chroma (color) are encoded in separate channels. Although the S-video format was popular for a while, it was soon overcome in the consumer marketplace by Hi-8, followed by the mini DV format. You can still find S-video hookups on machines such as VCRs, TVs and even some game consoles. You'll need to hook up an S-video cord to these machines if you want to take advantage of this format.

Instructions

1. Locate the S-video jacks on the machines that you wish to connect. These are round, about 1/4 of an inch in diameter and feature a series of four holes, two located on each side of the jack inlet, with two horizontal slots in between the holes. The ports may be hidden by an access panel or other cover.

2. Determine the length of S-video cord that you need by measuring the distance between the two ports with a measuring tape. Purchase the appropriate amount of cable footage.

3. Hold the end of the S-video cord so that it is next to the jack on the source machine. Align the marker on the S-video plug on the cable so it faces upwards. Slowly insert the plug into the source machine.

4. Run the other end of the cord over to the inlet on the destination machine. Plug the S-video cord into the destination machine, aligning it first before plugging in.

5. Turn on the source and desination machine. Change the output on the source machine so that it it using the S-video cable. Change the input on the destination machine to S-video.

Tags: S-video cord, destination machine, source machine, cord that, S-video cord that

Hook Up An Rca Home Theater System

RCA home theater systems are designed to provide centralized controls for all of your home theater components. This includes the TV, the DVD player, the speakers, the cable or satellite box. That means a lot of cables to hook up, but connecting them all is a lot easier than it may appear. You just need to recognize what the various cables are and where they go in each respective component. Once you know that, you can hook up your RCA home theater system quickly.

Instructions

1. Check the back of the RCA home theater system for speaker cable connections. These are usually color-coded black (for the positive connection) and red (for the negative connection). Each speaker outlet should be clearly labeled, denoting which speaker (left front, right rear) each connection links up to.

2. Count the number of additional components in your system and note the kind of cables they require to hook up. Most of them utilize RCA cables, which are arranged in threes and are color coded yellow (for the video signal) red and white (for the left and right audio signals). Higher-end machines may have video component cables which are similar to RCA cables, only coded red, blue and green. S-video cables have a single round socket and HDMI cables, a thin rectangular socket. All of these outlets should be labeled as such on the back of each machine.

3. Find the jacks on the back of the RCA home theater system corresponding to the cables used for each component. Most RCA systems label each collection of RCA jacks by component: one will be labeled "CD" for the CD player, one will be labeled "DVD" for the DVD player, and so on.

4. Connect each component of your home theater system into the appropriate jack of the home theater system. If you are using RCA cables, connect one end of the cables to the "In" jacks on the RCA designated for the respective component and the other end to the "Out" jacks on the components themselves. Other types of cables should be self-explanatory: there should only be one set of jacks fitting them on each component.

5. Connect the wiring from the speakers into their respective jacks on the back of the RCA system, making sure that the bare wire on the end is in contact with the housing on the jack. Arrange the speakers in their appropriate locations. Front speakers by the TV and rear speakers behind the sitting area.

6. Link the "Out" jacks on the RCA system to the "In" jacks on the TV, using the appropriate cables.

7. Connect the cable or antenna coaxial cable to the coaxial "In" jack on the RCA home theater system. Coaxial jacks are round and have a little pinhole inside of a milky white plastic center; RCA models typically label them "In" or "In From Antenna."

8. Plug in all of the respective components and turn them on. Access each component by pressing the appropriate button on the front of the RCA receiver. For instance, to play a DVD, press the "DVD" button on the front. Some RCA stereo systems don't have buttons specific to each component, but instead have a button labeled "Source" or "Component." By pushing it repeatedly, you can cycle through the different components hooked up to your system.

Tags: home theater, each component, home theater system, theater system, theater system

Hook Up An Equalizer To A Yamaha Natural Sound Av Receiver Yamaha Rxv557

Hook Up an Equalizer to a Yamaha Natural Sound AV Receiver Yamaha RX-V557

The Yamaha Natural Sound AV Receiver RX-V557 is equipped with a variety of audio-video jacks for hooking up different types of electronic equipment, including a stereo equalizer. The equalizer can be used to sculpt the tonal qualities of an audio source, such as a CD, MP3 player, LP record or a tape. You'll need two sets of standard stereo audio cables to connect the equipment.

Instructions

1. Insert the two plugs on one end of a set of stereo cables into the Record Out jacks labeled for a tape deck on the back of the Yamaha receiver. Connect the white plug to the left audio channel and the red plug to the right.

2. Plug the opposite end of the cables into the "Line In" jacks on the equalizer.

3. Connect a second set of audio cables from the Line Out jacks on the equalizer to the Playback jacks for the tape deck connections on the back of the Yamaha receiver.

Tags: Natural Sound, Natural Sound Receiver, Sound Receiver, Yamaha Natural, Yamaha Natural Sound

What Is The Difference Between A Ge W1200 & An A1235 Camera

The GE W1200 and the GE A1235 are consumer-targeted, point-and-shoot digital cameras. It may be hard for you to make an informed buying decision when comparing them because the two cameras are very similar in most respects. The A1235, however, has advantages in several key areas.

Megapixels

The GE W1200 has 12.1 effective image sensor megapixels. The GE A1235 has 12.2 effective image sensor megapixels. Although the A1235's number of megapixels is higher, the difference is so slight that you won't notice it in terms of picture quality.

Optical and Digital Zoom

Both cameras are capable of the same level of optical zoom, 3X. The A1235's digital zoom level of 5.7X is higher than the W1200's 4.5X digital zoom.

Movie Capture Capability

Both cameras are capable of recording video with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. However, the A1235 is capable of recording videos of that resolution at 30 frames per second, while the W1200 can't record at more than 20 frames per second at that resolution. That means the A1235's frame rate is 50 percent higher than the W1200.

LCD Screen

Both cameras have 2.5-inch color LCD screens. The A1235's screen, however, has 230,400 pixels, while the W1200 has 153,600 pixels. This means that the resolution of the A1235's screen is 1.5 times greater than that of the W1200, making the A1235's screen much clearer.

Tags: A1235 screen, Both cameras, that resolution, Both cameras capable, cameras capable, capable recording

Use A Pinhole Camera

The pinhole camera is a smaller version of the camera obscura.

Any object that you can make light-tight, you can turn into a pinhole camera. This could be an oatmeal container, a hand-made box, a room of a house or even an egg. Using a pinhole camera takes virtually no effort. Light passing through the pinhole exposes photographic paper or film and does all the work for you. They are the simplest type of cameras with unpredictable, yet fun, results.

Instructions

1. Examine your pinhole camera to see what size of film or paper it needs. Determine this by looking at its inner wall, opposite the pinhole. A round camera like one made from an oatmeal canister allows you to use whatever size of paper or film you like, because it can curve around the inside of the container.

2. Decide whether you would like to use film or photographic paper. Film makes an image more quickly and with more clarity, but large sheets of it can be costly. While paper is slower, it is cheaper. You can make exposures of less than five minutes on a sunny day.

3. Load your camera in a completely dark room if you are using film. If you have a photo safe light, you can turn it on and load your camera with paper. The safe light will expose film and ruin it, but the paper will be safe. Close the lid of the camera and make sure the pinhole is covered with something opaque like black electrical tape before you turn on the light.

4. Bring your pinhole camera outside for best results. Point it in the direction of the object or scene that you would like to make an image of. Set it on a steady surface, securing it with a heavy object if it is so lightweight that the wind could knock it over.

5. Remove the electrical tape or other cover so that the pinhole opening is not blocked. Make sure the camera stays still for the duration of the exposure. This could last minutes or hours, depending on the time of day, whether it is cloudy or sunny, and whether you are using film or paper. As a rough guideline, basic black-and-white photographic paper on a sunny day could take one to two minutes, while medium-speed film may take 10 seconds or less.

6. Cover up the pinhole opening when the exposure is done. You can now move the camera.

7. Unload the film or paper in the same manner in which you loaded it. Put it in a light-tight black bag to bring to a photo lab for processing, or develop the image yourself if you have access to a darkroom.

Tags: film paper, photographic paper, pinhole camera, electrical tape, pinhole camera, pinhole opening, safe light

Master A Recording

Mastering is the process of putting tracks in order and making them sound uniform. If you thought your job was done with the mix, think again.

Instructions

1. Put the songs in order. This means adding a space between songs. Sometimes you might want a countdown for each song: 3-2-1-start. Sometimes you might want one song to run into the next, ala side two of "Abbey Road."

2. Fix any distortion-pops, clicks, or other noises. If it wasn't fixed in the mix, it can be fixed during mastering, but not always. Remixing may be necessary.

3. Sweeten the mix. This is the core of mastering. Using compressors, EQ, and limiters to broaden the sound and make it more rich. In a sense, this is where you mix the mix. Experiment--major changes in the amount of compression or EQ levels can change the dynamic of a song.

4. Make sure each song has-generally-the same sound and same level. You don't want one song to be louder than another.

5. Transfer the master to a type of media that can be replicated-usually a high-quality CD-R. In the old days, DATs were popular, but not so much anymore.

Tags: each song, might want, Sometimes might, Sometimes might want, want song

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Digital & Film Cameras

Digital cameras are currently more readily available than film cameras, with some top camera producers, like Nikon, even abandoning most film models according to the Associated Press. However, just because digital cameras are popular doesn't necessarily mean they are better. There are many advantages and disadvantages to consider when weighing film versus digital.

Camera Prices

One reason digital camera popularity is rising is because of decreased prices, according to Forbes Magazine's "Digital Camera Guide." However, single-use disposable film cameras still remain a very viable low-cost option.

Image Storage Costs

Over the long run, digital cameras have low costs because film does not need to be repeatedly bought and physically stored for each usage. However, digital storage costs are initially high as users purchase expandable SD cards.

Special Features

Digital cameras have the advantage of built-in editing equipment for instant red-eye removal and other special functions. For film cameras, you must edit film during development.

Resolution

Norman Koren, a Colorado-based professional photographer, claims resolution for standard 35mm film is better than lower-end digital cameras. However, a digital camera rated at 11 or more megapixels will have sharper image quality than a film camera.

Versatility

Many consider digital cameras more versatile, since digital images can be sent to computers for quick reviewing and editing prior to development.

Availability

With digital cameras dominating, film cameras are disadvantageously scarce in popular electronic stores. Dedicated film users must go to specialty photography outlets for film cameras.

Tags: film cameras, digital cameras, cameras have, digital camera, digital cameras, However digital

Make Golf Cart Batteries Last Longer

Golf carts, ATVs and other small vehicles are normally equipped with 6-volt lead acid batteries (smaller versions of 12 volt car batteries). Often, the useful life of golf cart batteries is shortened by being run down too far or by improperly stored for long periods. You can make golf cart batteries last longer with a proper charging routine and storage. If the battery's performance degrades, you can often recondition it yourself at little cost.

Instructions

1. Exercise proper safety precautions when you remove and work with a golf cart battery. Lead acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause serious chemical burns. Wear protective eye goggles and gloves. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep open flames away from the battery. Remove the plastic cell caps on top of the battery to allow gasses generated during charging to escape. Top off each cell of the battery with distilled water. Don't use tap water as the chemicals in it can damage the battery.

2. Use a three-phase battery charger with a 6-volt setting to make a golf cart battery last longer. These are chargers that will start with a high-voltage (fast) charge and automatically reduce the charge rate when the battery is 70 percent charged, then to a low (trickle) charge. Set the charging voltage to 2.30 to 2.35 volts to make golf cart batteries last longer. Make sure the charger leads are connected to the proper battery terminals (positive to positive and negative to negative). Then turn the charger on.

3. Turn the battery charger off before you remove the battery, once it's fully charged. If you are not going to use the battery for several days, you may leave it on the charger on trickle setting to keep it at full charge. When you're ready, remove the charge leads, replace the cell caps, and return the battery to the golf cart. Use a crescent wrench to tighten the battery cables down securely.

4. Restore the battery to proper function if it has been deeply discharged several times and no longer accepts a full charge. This is caused by sulfur coating the lead plates in the battery as a result of repeated deep discharges. Follow the same steps as for normal charging. However, before charging the battery, drain the water from the battery and replace it with a solution of distilled water and Epsom salts (about 8 oz. of Epsom salts per 1/2 gallon of water). The Epsom salts will remove the sulfur from the lead plates as the battery charges. Complete the charging process in the usual manner (Steps 1-3).

Tags: Epsom salts, golf cart, golf cart, last longer, acid batteries

Clean An Lcd Hdtv Screen

Most HDTVs you'll find in major electronics stores have either LCD or plasma screens. The LCD screen can be ideal for viewing a crisp picture since it has little to no glare. However, a bit of dust or dirt can disrupt your clear view and could eventually damage the screen. Don't grab the Windex and paper towels. These screens require extra care and a gentle cleaning solution to keep them functioning at their best.

Instructions

1. Take a large bucket or mixing bowl and pour in two cups of table vinegar or isopropyl alcohol and two cups of lukewarm water. Don't use tap water, since it can have minerals or additives that could show up as deposits on your screen. Instead go for distilled water or at the very least filtered water. Stir the cleaning solution with a large spoon and add more solution at equal parts if you have a very large TV. A 52 inch screen may used up to four cups of each liquid solution.

2. Put your lint-free cloth in the bowl and soak it in the solution. Then wring it out so it's damp but there's no water dripping off of it. Finally, wipe your screen using gentle pressure, from left to right in even rows, like you would if mowing the lawn. If there are spots that are especially dirty, concentrate on them but never push harder or touch the screen with your fingers. Just keep swiping over them until you remove the soil. Once you're done, use a clean cloth to dry the screen.

3. Buy a screen cleaning kit made especially for LCD TVs if your cleaning solution can't remove a stubborn stain. Many heavy duty ones can help you wipe off ink, marker or crayon.

Tags: cleaning solution, your screen

Mintek Tv Combo Repair Tips

Mintek makes combination television and DVD player units that work well both in the home and in office settings. Still, like most electronics, the Mintek TV Combo players experience difficulties and can even stop working. Because of this, Mintek has created several solutions to some of the most common problems with the Mintek TV Combo.

No Picture

If experiencing a lack of picture while trying to watch a television program or play a video game, first ensure the input is set to view the media you are attempting to watch. If trying to watch media from a source such as a cable box or digital satellite, make sure the box is switched on and set to a channel that receives signal. Next, check the rear of the television for loose or broken video connections. If the television is still experiencing lack of picture, change the input to a different media source to ensure that the problem is not with the selected media source. If the problem persists, reset the television by powering the set down, unplugging the device from the wall and waiting at least 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, plug the unit back in and power on the television. If picture is not restored, contact a representative for professional service.

DVD

If the DVD player in the Mintek Combo device will not load a DVD and display video, first check the input source to ensure the television is set to receive DVD signal. Next eject the DVD and examine the disc for scratches or scuffs which can lead to the disc being unplayable. If the disc appears undamaged, insert another disc into the player and attempt to watch video. If the problem persists, try manually resetting the device. If, after resetting, the DVD player does not play video, contact a representative for service.

No Sound

If picture plays, but no sound comes from the Mintek Combo device, first increase the volume to ensure that no sound plays at any volume level. If watching a station on television, change the channel to make sure the issue is not related to the television station. If you still experience problems, check the rear for loose audio input cables. Additionally, check the sound options in the "Menu" to ensure that the "Second Audio Program" or "SAP" sound option has not been activated.

No Power

If the television unit does not power on at all, first check the power cable to ensure the television is plugged in. Next, make sure the wall outlet or power strip has power to it either by plugging in a lamp and powering it on, or by resetting the power strip. If this does not restore power, try resetting the television. If no power is still going to the unit, contact the manufacturer for professional service.

Tags: Mintek Combo, ensure that, make sure, check rear, Combo device, contact representative

Fix An Old Polaroid In Photoshop

Polaroid photos are fun to share with friends but often suffer from wear and tear.

Polaroid photos are a lot of fun to share with friends, but they're also liable to fade or flake over time. Even new Polaroid photos are easy to damage if you bend or scratch them. Because they have neither a negative or a digital file to reprint the photo from, you may worry that your Polaroid memories aren't recoverable. Luckily, Adobe Photoshop software can correct much of the damage if you scan the Polaroid into your computer.

Instructions

Scanning and Importing the Polaroid

1. Place the damaged Polaroid face down on the scanner bed and close the top. If your Polaroid is flaking, be sure to gently wipe any flakes off the surface before laying it down to make sure that they don't obscure any part of the picture. If your Polaroid is so bent that it pops the scanner top up, place a book or other heavy object on the scanner top to keep it flat.

2. Open Photoshop, go to "File," select "Import," and select your scanner. A new window will open with your scanner's settings and options.

3. Adjust the settings as needed so they are set to the highest quality or highest dots per inch (DPI). Scan the Polaroid.

Repairing Faded Polaroid Photos

4. Select the scanned image in Photoshop and go to the "Image" menu at the top. Select both "Auto Contrast" and "Auto Color." Photoshop will automatically color and contrast your image. In many cases, this produces good results. If you do not like the effect, select "Edit," "Undo," or press CTRL + Z to undo the correction.

5. Select "Image," then "Adjustments" to make the corrections by hand.

Select "Vibrance" under "Adjustments" to increase the saturation of a faded image. Slide the bar along the saturation meter until you see the desired effect on the photo.

Select "Color Balance" to correct faded colors back to their original color. Color can decay at different rates, leaving photos with less red, for example. Remember to correct shadows, midtones, and highlights using the radio buttons in the balance box.

Select "Contrast" and bring down the brightness if the photo looks washed out.

Select "Exposure" if the photo is too dark or too light overall.

6. Save the file as a TIFF or PSD (these file types will not lose image data like JPG and GIF file types). Reprint your adjusted photo on photo paper by choosing "File" and then "Print."

Repairing Cracked or Flaked Polaroid Photos

7. Click on the "Magic Wand" tool and carefully select the area that is missing from the photo.

8. If you have Adobe Photoshop CS5 or higher, right click on the selection and select "Fill..." A box will appear with options. Select "Content Aware" from the "Use" drop down and click OK. Photoshop will fill the missing area with what it thinks belongs there.

9. If you do not have Adobe Photoshop CS5 or the auto-fill creates the wrong result, select the "Clone Stamp Tool." Then, click on a section of the photo that you want to clone to fill or cover the damaged space. Hold down the Alt key and a cross-hair pointer will appear. Left click when the cross hair is over the section you want to copy from. Then, move the mouse to the damaged area and hold down the left mouse button to color it in using data from the section of the photo you just selected with the cross hair. You may have to do this multiple times to fill in the missing section correctly.

10. Click on the "Smudge" tool in the left hand tool bar and hold down the left mouse button over the area you've filled to smudge any unsightly lines from the cloning or the auto-fill. Zoom in to check your work closely by clicking on the magnifying glass in the tool bar.

11. Save the file as a TIFF or PSD (these file types will not lose image data like JPG and GIF) and reprint your adjusted photo on photo paper. Go to "File," "Print."

Tags: Adobe Photoshop, file types, your Polaroid, adjusted photo, adjusted photo photo, cross hair, data like

Download A Picture From The Internet

If you've ever gone to a Web site and found a picture you would love to have for a graphic, there's a way to grab it. You can save it and put it in your own files or Web pages.

Instructions

1. Go to a Web site.

2. Let the whole page load.

3. Scroll to the picture you want.

4. Point the mouse arrow on the picture.

5. For PC users, right-click on the picture so that a menu appears. For Mac users, press and hold down the mouse button to see the menu.

6. Choose "Save picture as" if you're using Internet Explorer, or choose "Save image as" if you're using Netscape Navigator.

7. Select the name that's in the "File name" box, and type in the name you would like to give the picture.

8. Click the down arrow to the right of the "Save as type" box.

9. Pick a format to save the picture as.

10. Click once on the folder you want to save it in.

11. Click the button to the right of the "File name" box. Depending on your browser, it's either called Save or Open.

Tags: File name, picture Click

Radio Repeater Work

Radio Repeaters Repeat Signals

A radio repeater works to receive a radio signal then broadcast it at higher power to reach a broader range of radio enthusiasts. As the sender transmits, the sender's radio uses a microphone and basic circuitry to convert the sender's voice into radio waves. These waves are transmitted via the sender's antenna to the repeater, which, in turn, rebroadcasts the signal with considerably more power to the radio receivers within the repeater's reach.

Repeaters Use Offsets

Radio receivers within range of the original transmitter receive two transmissions (the original transmission and the repeater's transmission). To avoid this overlap, repeaters and two-meter radios use a function known as an "offset." In essence, the repeater's offset allows it to "listen" for incoming transmissions on one frequency and rebroadcast those transmissions on another, slightly different frequency. Other radio enthusiasts using the repeater set their radios to listen on the same frequency as the repeater broadcasts so that they do not receive another sender's original transmission.

Repeaters Can Provide Services

Some repeaters are configured by the repeater's owner to provide additional services to radio users. Depending on the repeater's configuration and capabilities, it may be able to provide Internet access (using radio packet relay), access telephone lines, allow users to make landline telephone calls or even access other repeaters so users can broadcast over even greater distances.

Tags: original transmission, radio enthusiasts, receivers within

Hire An Outdoor Tv Antenna Installer

You may not have cable television in your area, or if you have a satellite dish, you may not have the option of receiving your local channel feeds. If you're in this situation, you can opt to use an outdoor TV antenna, but you need to hire someone to have it installed for your use.

Instructions

1. Ask your family, friends and neighbors for recommendations. You can clearly see an outdoor TV antenna on your acquaintances' homes, so they may be able to offer you the name of the individual or company, as well as inform you of the process to install a TV antenna.

2. Look in your phone book. You may be able to locate a TV antenna installer by referencing "Antennas" in your local Yellow Pages, or by doing a search for "TV antenna installer" on the Yellow Pages website using your zip code.

3. Contact TV antenna installers. Receive quotes or estimates concerning the price of installing your TV antenna. Ask each contractor the process concerning installation--time it will take, number of workers it will take, how it's to be installed, as well as where it's to be installed. Also make certain that contractors you're considering have the proper bonding and insurance coverage.

4. Check business references. After narrowing down the selection of your TV antenna installer, contact your local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. Also ask for references from the contractor from previous work performed.

5. Choose your TV antenna installer. Relay any special requests that you have concerning the installation, and receive in writing the final work product sheet stating warranties and guarantees of the work done.

Tags: antenna installer, your antenna, your local, will take, Yellow Pages, your antenna installer

Buy An Ultra Thin Lcd Tv

An ultra thin LCD TV is a great space saver. It can be mounted on the wall, sat on a desk or placed on a small shelf. It has high resolution, is HDTV compatible and comes with an anti-glare screen. Follow these steps to learn buy an ultra thin LCD TV.

Instructions

1. Determine what size ultra thin LCD TV that you want to buy. This is going to depend on the designated area where you will place your new, thin LCD TV.

2. Measure the spot in which you will place your LCD TV. If the TV is going to be placed on a shelf, be sure to measure the depth of the shelf as well to make sure the TV stand will fit. Write the measurements down and bring them with you when you buy your ultra thin LCD TV.

3. Decide if you are going to use your ultra thin LCD TV as a computer monitor. Many brands of ultra thin LCD TVs can also be used as computer monitors with a TV tuner. This allows you to watch TV while using your computer.

4. Choose your pixel size based on how far from the TV you will be sitting. If the TV is wall mounted then you can choose a lower resolution TV as it will be unnoticeable when viewed from a distance. If you are going to be sitting up close to the TV then you will want to select a higher resolution as it will look pixelated.

5. Figure out how much money you're willing to spend on your ultra thin LCD TV. This will be a big factor on the size and resolution of the TV that you buy.

Tags: ultra thin, your ultra thin, ultra thin, your ultra, place your, resolution will

Copy Vcr Tapes To A Cd

S-Video cable inputs

If you have a large collection of home videos stored on VCR tapes that you've been wanting to either back up or share with friends, convert your tapes to a digital format so you can copy and share them. Plus, your videos will not degrade over time if stored on CD instead.

Instructions

Get the Video Onto the Computer

1. Attach the S-video end of the cable to your VCR; input the red and white plugs into the red and white sockets respectively. Attach the USB side of the cable to an empty USB port on your computer.

2. Open up iMovie or Movie Maker and set up "Video capture" by selecting File > "Import from Camera" (Mac) or "Capture Video" (PC), then selecting the video source.

3. Click "Capture" to start capturing video. Once the computer is recording, press "Play" on the VCR.

4. Stop the recording when the computer has recorded what you want, and edit the movie if needed.

5. Export the movie to your desktop once the movie is completed,

Copy Video to CD/DVD

6. Open the CD burning program and place the desired video in the burn folder.

7. Place a CD in your computer CD drive. Click "Burn CD."

8. Repeat the process until you have backed up all of your video.

Tags: your computer

Download Wallpaper For A Tracfone

Although the Tracfone is a prepaid phone, you can still customize your phone with the wallpaper of your choice. Tracfone allows you to do this through two methods, from your computer or from your device. When using the device method, keep in mind that you will be paying double. Tracfone will deduct units for the wallpaper and also deduct 0.5 units for every minute your browser is open. The units deducted for the wallpaper will vary depending upon the wallpaper you choose.

Instructions

From Your Computer

1. Visit the official Tracfone website.

2. Enter the serial number and mobile number for your Tracfone. Click the login button. If you don't know the serial number, click the "?" to select your phone from the list.

3. Click "Downloads" and "Graphics."

4. Locate the wallpaper you wish to download. Click the "Buy" link. A text message will be sent to your Tracfone containing your wallpaper.

5. Open the text message. Click the download link to download the wallpaper onto your Tracfone.

From Your Tracfone

6. Select the "Menu" option from the main screen.

7. Select the "Browser"application to launch your Internet browser.

8. Select "Home," "Downloads" and "Graphics."

9. Click the "Buy" link for the wallpaper you would like to display on your device.

10. Wait as the wallpaper is installed onto your device.

Tags: your device, your Tracfone, Click link, deduct units, Downloads Graphics, From Your, onto your

Canon Eos20d Tutorial

Out with film and in with digital! The 20D is a suitable replacement for 35mm Canon film SLRs.

The Canon EOS-20D is a digital single lens reflex camera released in 2005. It features an 8.2-megapixel sensor and an ISO range of 100 to 3200. The APS-C sensor means that images from the 20D have a 1.6x crop factor compared to images taken on a 35mm film body or full-frame digital sensor. The 20D takes standard Canon EF lenses as well as Canon EF-S lenses designed for crop bodies. Using the Canon 20D can be as automated or as involved as you desire, as the camera features a slew of automatic and manual controls.

Instructions

1. Insert the battery and CompactFlash cards into the camera. The battery door is on the bottom of the camera. The CompactFlash slot is on the right side of the camera's face. Install the CompactFlash card with the front label facing you.

2. Attach a lens. A standard kit lens may be an 18-55mm or a 17-85mm lens. To do this, remove the body cap by twisting counter-clockwise. Remove the rear lens cap. Align the white dot on the lens with the white dot on the body (if using an EF-S lens), attach the lens, and twist clockwise until you hear a click.

3. Turn on the camera using the switch on the lower, center part of the camera's face. The camera has two main "On" modes. The first mode is labeled "On," and the second mode is notated with a line. The "On" setting is for all camera functions except exposure compensation. This is useful if you wish to keep the wheel from accidentally changing your exposure values while in any mode but automatic. The "On" mode notated with a line is to enable all features, including exposure compensation.

4. Select your desired image acquisition mode. The simplest mode to use is Automatic, denoted by a green box on the camera's mode dial on the top left of the body. In Automatic mode, all exposure settings are automated, and the flash is deployed automatically if needed. Program (P) mode allows for manual ISO, flash and exposure compensation control, along with control of some lesser features. Aperture priority (A) and shutter priority (T) are used to control aperture and shutter values explicitly. Manual mode (M) is to control aperture and shutter speeds independently of one another.

5. Take a picture using the shutter release, located on the top right side of the camera.

6. Review your images. Press the "Play" button on the face of the camera, which looks like a right-pointing triangle. Use the thumb wheel to scroll through your images.

7. Copy your images to your computer. Use a USB card reader or a USB cable to copy images from your camera to your PC.

Tags: exposure compensation, your images, aperture shutter, camera face, control aperture, control aperture shutter, face camera

Radio Communication Tutorial

Radio communication is among the easiest forms of communication to produce and can be the most useful method of communication in times of area-wide trouble. The phenomenon has been with us for almost a century and it is still widely used for entertainment and other useful things today.

In the Beginning

Radio communications is a nebulous term that encompasses a great many methods of achieving the same thing. Radio communication has its beginnings with two different men. Many of us have heard of Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor who developed the ability to send messages without the need for wire or other media. Marconi is most famous for this one invention and is usually the only person given credit for the development of radio communication. At around the same time, however, there was an American working on the same process. Nathan Stubblefield, a melon farmer from Murray, KY, also developed wireless communication.

No matter who came first, however, wireless or radio communication stuck in the American and European cultures and has been with us ever since. The methods and equipment have changed rather drastically over the century or so of its known existence. The principle, when you see it on paper in a block diagram form, is rather simple to follow. Let's first look at the two main forms of getting a signal to an ordinary radio: AM and FM.

Would You Like That Signal Scrambled or Fried?

AM, or amplitude modulation, uses the radio wave's size as the power source that pushes the signal off of the tower toward the receivers. The speed of the waves is measured in kilohertz. Increasing the speed (or frequency) is accomplished by causing the signal coming into the transmitter (usually audio of some sort) into the system and combining the audio with the waves generated by the transmitter (in a component known as an exciter). The result is a mixed signal of audio and transmission power pushed up the transmitting antenna and out into the world. AM radio was the original form of radio both Stubblefield and Marconi produced, and its first commercial use in America began with station KDKA out of Pittsburgh, PA---a station still in operation.

FM, or Frequency Modulation, uses the speed of the wave to take the signal as far as possible---often despite its amplitude. FM transmitters create with their power source what's called a "carrier wave," which is a signal at the frequency of the receiving station (for example 98.7 MHz). Again an exciter is used to put the audio input together with the carrier wave to produce an FM signal with the audio on board. FM came to being as early as the late 1950s. It languished as second to the AM band until the 1970s, when the population discovered clear, stereo audio coming out of their radios. FM is the most popular form of transmission and is used in several ways in our everyday lives.

Hand Me the Transmitter, Please

Many objects used in daily life involve FM transmission. For instance, the cordless telephone uses frequency modulation to get the signal to and from the base to the handset. The frequencies these days range in the gigahertz (GHz) or thousands of megahertz. Such high frequencies are used to keep your conversations private and unable to be picked up by everyday radios. Another use of FM is the small transmitter used to send the signal from your MP3 player to your car radio so that you can listen to your own music or audio books while driving. The transmission range of these units is very limited, but effective in the right circumstances. Many MP3 players today also have circuitry for an FM receiver built in, so that you can listen to the FM band rather than just what's on your player.

Another form of radio communication is amateur, or HAM, radio. The form of personal audio transmission and reception is, as are commercial AM and FM bands, licensed for use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HAM radio is used as a personal communication with friends and acquaintances across the country---or around the world---using Morse code and voice communication. (Morse cold isn't used as widely anymore, as voice transmission has improved over the last 20 years.) The equipment needed includes a radio, a power supply (within the confines of the class of your license) and an antenna. There are several bands in HAM radio that are designated by the size of the radio wave produced to cause communication to happen. For instance, the 2-meter band, by far one of the most popular bands, uses FM to send a 2-meter wave at about 144,500,000,000 times per second. Amateur radio is also extremely handy in emergency situations when power is out and communications need to be made to and from emergency services.

Another use of radio communication most aren't aware of is television. While TVs and radios appear to be different things, the TV transmitter simply broadcasts different material. The rule of thumb is that TV transmitters use AM to transmit the moving pictures and FM to transmit the sound, though this is an over-simplified description of how a TV transmitter works.

Finally, the last component necessary to achieve radio transmission is the antenna. There is a saying in amateur radio: "Height is everything." In essence that's right for FM transmission at any level. FM transmission is knows as a "line of sight" broadcast method, meaning the signal should pass relatively unchallenged by natural or man-made objects in its path. AM's broadcast method simply sprays signal is all directions, usually with more concentration in a given direction. The AM signal surrounds everything in its path. This is why, if you live near a transmission tower, you're more likely to hear the AM signal coming from your toaster or curling iron than you would the FM signal. The important factor in an antenna being useful is what's known as the "gain" of an antenna. Gain, which means the voltage present when the signal is applied to it, is usually the deciding factor in how strong your AM signal is or how far your FM signal can reach. Antennas are a science unto themselves, and we only need to know that the height and gain of a transmission antenna are the important keys to radio communication.

Radio is, by and large, is the most trusted and useful form of broadcasting in existence today. AM, in particular, has many advantages over FM (in that you can take a penny and a nickel to create an AM receiving antenna). Whether for personal pleasure or for emergency communications, radio is among the most affordable and achievable methods of communication.

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Connect The Philips Dvp642 Progressive Scan Dvd Player To A Tv

You can hook your Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD Player's video output to your television in one of three ways: using CVBS cables--supplied with your Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD player--an S-Video cable or Component cable. Choose the method you want to use from below and follow the simple steps to hook the video on your Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD player to your television.

Instructions

Connect to a TV Using Composite Video Jack (CVBS)

1. Use the supplied composite video cable (yellow) to connect the DVD player's yellow video out (CVBS) jack to the Video In jack on your television.

2. Use the audio cables (white/red) to connect Audio Out (Left and Right) jacks of the Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD Player to the corresponding Audio In jacks on your television.

Connect to a TV Using S-Video

3. Use the S-video cable to connect the Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD player's S-Video Out jack to the S-Video in jack (labeled as Y/C or S-VHS) on your television.

4. Use the audio cables (white/red) to connect Audio Out (L/R) jacks of the Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD Player to the corresponding Audio In jacks on your television.

Connect to a TV Using Component Cables

5. Use the component video cables (red/blue/green) to connect the Philips DVP642 Progressive Scan DVD player's "Pr Pb Y" jacks to the corresponding Component video in jacks (labeled as Pr /Cr Pb/Cb Y or YUV) on your television.

6. Use the audio cables (white/red) to connect the Audio Out (L/R) jacks of the DVD player to the corresponding Audio In jacks on the TV.

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Determine Photography Light Quality

Badlands, South Dakota

Quality lighting is essential for any good photograph. Studio photographers have full control over lighting, but the rest of us have to deal with the ambient light we have and whatever gear we can carry with us. There are a few steps you can use to determine the quality of the lighting in your photos and manipulate things as necessary to get the best results.

Instructions

1. Understand that light quality is influenced by the size of your light source relative to the size of the subject. Small sources, camera-mounted flashes or the sun overhead, can produce harsh and unsightly shadows. Photographs generally benefit from diffused light that comes from a source large relative to the subject. If you are not using a flash, pay attention to your light source. If it is large and soft, like the inside of a church, you are good to go. If it is small and harsh, think about using the light in dramatic ways or manipulating it. Remember, harsh light is not always bad. Most photographers consider the lighting in the hours just after dawn and before dusk perfect because they provide dramatic shadows that add character to nature shots.

2. Look through your viewfinder or on your LCD. Note the lightest and darkest spots on the frame. A properly exposed photograph will lose as little detail as possible in these areas. Snap a photo using your camera’s default exposure settings. When you review the photograph, the brightest areas of the photo, or “highlights,” should not appear blazingly white. If they do, you have overexposed the picture. The same goes for the darkest areas of the photo, the “shadows.” If they are black as ink, you have underexposed the photo. Unless the results provide some artistic effect you like, you should retake the photo.

3. Nearly all digital cameras have an “exposure compensation mode.” It is usually indicated by a small square with a plus and minus sign in it. This allows you to manually adjust your exposure value, or “EV.” Most cameras allow you to adjust EV in half step increments. An exposure adjustment in this range is plenty for most situations, but many cameras allow you to adjust exposure up to two whole steps. If you have taken an underexposed sample photo, simply increase your EV by a half step and retake the picture. If you have overexposed the photo, do the opposite. Repeat this as necessary until you get the results you want. Your camera may support auto-bracketing. This feature will automatically take a series of photos, each at different exposures. If your camera supports it, it can make getting the right exposure much easier.

4. You can use your in camera flash to add lighting in tough situations. Remember though, this light emanates from a small source an can be harsh so you may want to use a diffuser. These simple plastic attachments for your flash scatter and soften light. You can even make you own using semi-opaque plastic or paper. With a diffuser, you will see great flash photography results, even with a small point and shoot camera.

5. If your camera supports shooting in RAW, use it whenever possible. RAW files contain much more data than JPEGs and allow you to manipulate exposure and lighting with photo editing software.

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Bring Up The Altimeter On A Garmin Gps

At some point, you may want to view the altimeter display on your Garmin GPS. These instructions for locating the altimeter pertain to the RINO 120 in particular, but should be similar to other outdoor models.

Instructions

Finding the Altimeter Display

1. Press the "Page" button repeatedly to view your primary screens, until you reach the "Navigation" screen. You have several fields displayed here. Using the cursor button, highlight any field. Press the center of the cursor button.

2. Select "Altitude" from the drop-down list that appears. The screen should now show a data field with an altimeter reading, in feet or meters, depending on settings in the "Units" page. These steps will allow you to change data fields on the "Trip Computer" page as well.

3. Alternatively, press the "Page" button until you reach the Main Menu. Highlight "Setup" or "Display" and press the center of the cursor button. Within this page, options are often available to change the data fields displayed, including the altimeter.

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